.Snow days.

Thanks to winter storm Leon, we got a few unexpected days at home.  This area is just not prepared for cold and wet weather, and neither were the babies.  Dylan and G were fans of playing outside for about 15 minutes tops.  So these days were full of too much food, lots of playing, books, and movies, catching up on work, starting new novels, and awesome dance parties to get out some cooped-up energy.  

My whole schedule is thrown off now to go back to work for one day and then have the weekend, but   what a treat these few days have been.  Glad we got a few pictures before I broke our camera lens :(  Now I understand why G says I can't have nice things.

P.S. Our last winter storm.

"Good jawwb!" (Good job for those who don't speak toddler.)

Some recent pictures from our park days.  I keep writing about how funny Dylan is and the crazy stuff she says.  I thought I'd document a few lines I hope to never forget.

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When asked her favorite color- "Browwnnnn.  And Meeyaah (Mila) hab (have) bluueee.  And you hab pink!!"

"That's D for me!"

When asked what her favorite animal was- "Ummm... orange!"

"Dance wiff me!!"

When asked what makes her happy- "Meeeeyaaahh (Mila)."

"Meeyahh no put in mouff!"  (Mila, don't put it [my toy] in your mouth!)

When asked how old mama is- "Ffthreee!" 

"Ahhh yurr hair is sooo ca-uttee (cute)."

"Gimmee BIG hug!!"

When asked who her best friend is- "Meeyah my bess frennd."

"Shhhhh!!  Be quiieett.  I reading.  I talking."

.And now the resolutions.

I know, people think resolutions are stupid.  But I've always been a list-person.  Notebooks full of lists and planning and there is that joy that comes from scratching things off of your list.  I usually keep such writings private in case I make laughable progress, but I'm curious to see how I will do with the added accountability of posting my list here.  

So here goes nothing-

1. Eat more real food.

G and I have terrible habits.  Not so much of the fast-food, but definitely the processed-convenience foods.  We were able to justify it for awhile with me being in school and G starting a business and no energy to prepare anything, and isn't cereal just so much easier?  But we want to teach the girls better habits than that, and we won't be in our 20's forever and this could very well catch up to us.  Plus, we're not stupid.  We've seen all the documentaries.  So the plan is no fad diet or drastic move, but just to eat more real food, and eat for quality and nourishment, and not convenience.

2. Invest more in relationships.

Grad school really did a number on my relationships.  With working full-time and classes, I had such little energy or time to spend with anyone!  And that's terrible!  I want to be able to have more real conversations versus quick texts or emails.  I want more dinners and game nights and I want to really connect with the people in my life.

3. Read 15 books.

This may not seem like a lot to some, but with having to read tons of literature for my job, being able to read that many books for leisure sounds like a dream.  But I'm determined!  Less Netflix, more reading!

4.  Go on more local adventures.

We do not live in a large city.  We've gone through the list of local attractions.  I want to be find the hidden gems.  I want to discover things in and around my city that grow my appreciation for it and inspire me.  I know they're out there!  Now to find you!

5. Bike more.

I was pretty pregnant when we bought our bikes.  Now I am so ready for the warmer (or I'd be happy with just drier) weather to be able to get moving with this family!  Hopefully to help achieve goal 4!

6.  Simplify and de-clutter.

The amount of stuff 4 people can collect over time is shameful.  I'm not sentimental when it comes to those material things, so just taking the energy to purge and streamline is key.  But it is so needed because I refuse to need a bigger home just to house this stuff!  

7.  Surprise G with a trip.

Garrett is my partner in all.  It's nearly impossible to do Christmas and birthdays without consulting and working with him, so I think there'd be nothing better than surprising my love with a little exploring of our own.  

8.  Buy quality, not quantity.

I'm getting older.  It was bound to happen.  We work hard!  Why not be able to get to enjoy some of it?

9.  Save money.

I have a number in my head that I'd like to save for an investment (like maybe a new bedroom suite or  appliances) which should be fairly easy minus the whole bills, student loans (ahhhh!!), child care costs, etc etc expenses.  So cutting costs and being creative with our spending will be key.

10.  Drink more water.

I know, so boring.  But that's got to be the worst habit I have that is so easily fixable and has so many rewards.  So why is it so painful for me to do?  Who knows, but I've got to get better at it!

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It's not much, but at the end of the year, I will be a happier (and maybe better?) person after trying.  So we'll see how this turns out, but now that I don't have school to use as an excuse, I'm hoping to get progress on the other aspects of my life that have been long neglected.  Wish me luck!

.Alot has happened since we last met.

Several pictures from our holiday season.  What a good time it was, and 10 glorious days to step away from the grind to just be.

I've been in the thick of it.  The words have not flown as easily because it feels like there's not enough space in my brain... it's all taken up by schedules and lists and games and cuddles and obligations, but the energy to put words to paper (so to speak) has been an afterthought at most.  The few minutes I need to take to be mindful of my spiritual and mental health have been so neglected, that I'm multitasking through these activities like I'm some sort of robot on autopilot (like, I'm literally listening to a mindfulness exercise while typing- but I'm sorry, there just aren't enough hours in the day!).  So I will list the things I wish to share with you in no specific order, but in the way my rapid thoughts have dispersed them...

Dylan's vocabulary has exploded.  I mean, big time.  Play school was challenging for me at first; I always felt on guard and protective, but this kid LOVES going.  She talks about it constantly, and I know she's challenged there in the best way possible.  It's great to see other people love your kids besides family, you know?  Dylan is a talking, growing person who loves expressing herself and is so helpful and thoughtful, it makes her mama proud.  And she's more hilarious by the day!  And loves her sister more than I could have hoped and through all the tough challenges of being two, never neglects to show her little sister that affection Mila so thrives on.  Dylan is my shooting star; she amazes and thrills me.

My Mila girl.  She's nearly 7 months and although suffers from many 2nd-child considerations, is always front and center.  She's a good-hearted, joyful child.  She is the balancing act to her persistent and wild sister, and must keep her mama in her sights just to be sure all is well.  Mila is the trickling and calming waters to the flood of my normal days.  She is my warmth; she soothes my needs and shows me truth.

And my passion, my G.  We experienced the typical post-baby phase, but we've been rejuvenated.  Garrett is my core.  I can't find a better way to explain it.  It's all those corny love songs and poems.  I love the struggle and the daily hustle with him.  I love that I don't have to explain myself because he understands me.  I hope that everyone gets that person that enlivens you and wakes that complacency that's so easy to fall into.

What a year of personal and professional growth.  Cliches are the worst, but age and experience does help to melt away(ish) the confusion, insecurity, and growing pains.  Age brings solidarity, confidence, and focus.  So here goes nothing new year.  Last year we were about being proactive; this year's focus will be on gladness and well-being... and ahem... let's add finally learning about some pesky hobbies that have been on my list for ages.  Cheers to that!